A recent article highlights research being conducted at the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders at the University of Missouri. The research examines the role of photography as a tool for self-expression which gives a voice to young adults with autism transitioning to adulthood. The research gave students a camera and examined their experience transitioning from adolescence to adulthood through the lens of their camera. CLICK HERE to read the article!
Utilizing photography as a communication tool is a strategy that Thames faculty, Jennifer Sullivan, has been using for 2 years at Thames Academy. Through her involvement as an advisor of the Photography Club and instructor of special topics sociology courses, Jennifer Sullivan has been encouraging Thames students to document their view of the world around them using a camera. Thames students have been given photography assignments to document themes around them such as "Beauty," "Paths/Transitions," "Utopia/Dystopia," and "Happiness." Once students submit their pictures, Jennifer asks the students to share them with the class and explain their thinking, their perspective and their unique understanding and interpretation of the theme through their photographs.
